Translational frameshift sites within bacteriophage λ genes rexA and cI

Abstract

Phage λ's cI-rexA-rexB operon displays an intriguing example of regulation by an unexplained mechanism of polarity. We have identified three potential - 1 translational frameshift sites and present a model for translational frameshift suppression by lambda's CI repressor as a mechanism of regulating operon polarity, implying an additional role for CI self-regulation.